Copyright 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
The Impact of Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a leading cause of physical disability. Generally, adults who have osteoarthritis of the knee report having some pain, stiffness, or swelling in the knee joint on most days. Osteoarthritis of the knee, along with osteoarthritis of the hip, has a major effect on a person's ability to walk and climb stairs. Here are some frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis of the knee and its effect on a person's life. In 2001, more than 13.5 million American adults reported having knee joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Among those with osteoarthritis of the knee, almost half are older than 65 years. Among those in the United States who say they have osteoarthritis of the knee, 88% are white and 9% are African-Americans. In 2001, people with osteoarthritis of the knee made more than 5.5 million visits to physicians' offices and more than 271,000 outpatient visits for a variety of reasons. There were between 400,000 and 458,000 inpatient hospital stays for individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee in 1999 (counting all hospital visits for all reasons).
In 1999, adults with osteoarthritis of the knee reported that they missed an average of more than 13 days of work for health reasons in the previous year. They also spent an average of almost 18 days in bed because of health reasons. People without osteoarthritis of the knee, however, missed only about 3 days of work and spent 1.5 days in bed for health reasons during the year. This information is based on the "Improving Musculoskeletal Care in America" Project of the Council on Research, Evidence-based Practice Committee, and Department of Research and Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The material presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to present the only, or necessarily best, method or procedure for the medical situations discussed. Last reviewed and updated: August 2007
AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Copyright 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Your Orthopaedic Connection
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 6300 N. River Road Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 847.823.7186 Email: orthoinfo@aaos.org |
||||||
| ||||||
Copyright ©1995-2007 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. All material on this website is protected by copyright.
All rights reserved. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. |